An LSAT percentile shows how your score compares to other test takers. A 90th percentile score means you scored higher than about 90% of test takers in the comparison group.
Why Percentiles Matter
Percentiles help you understand rarity. Law schools still focus more on scaled scores and medians.
Percentile vs Admissions Fit
A high percentile is useful, but your admissions fit depends on school-specific medians.
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Official LSAT Scoring Sources
When you use LSAT terminology in admissions planning, keep the distinction between raw performance, scaled score, percentile rank, score band, and school-reported percentiles clear. Raw score explains practice-test performance. Scaled score is the official 120-180 number. Percentiles explain comparison with other test takers. School medians and quartiles explain competitiveness inside a specific admissions pool.
Use the official LSAC resources below to confirm scoring terminology before relying on any third-party estimate.
Practical Next Step
Use this definition while reading score charts, school medians, and admissions calculators. If a number changes your application strategy, verify it against current school disclosures and official LSAC score reporting language before treating it as a firm cutoff.